After a year-long feud the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have shocked the world of professional golf by putting their differences aside to sign a landmark merger deal.
Since LIV's formation last June, the two circuits have been at the centre of arguably the ugliest year in the sport's history, but that all came to an end this week. In a shock announcement, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan - one of LIV's biggest critics - confirmed they had teamed up with the breakaway circuit and the DP World Tour via the funding of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
The announcement just about shocked everybody in the world of golf bar Monahan and PIF boss Asir Al-Rumayyan, after the tours had proven to be such strong rivals.
LIV had certainly shaken things up in the game, and have no doubt lived up to their 'golf, but louder' slogan having ripped up the handbook when it came to hosting professional golf tournaments. The 54-hole, shot-gun start team-aspect events were initially slammed by the traditionalists at the PGA Tour.
However, after agreeing to work together, the Tour could well soon be sharing some of the features they were quick to shoot down. Here is a look at a whole host of changes that the PGA Tour could adapt from its newfound LIV partner.
Team format
Arguably the most succesful aspect of the LIV Golf model has been the added element of a team competition. All 48 players are split into 12 teams, and alongside their hunt for individual success, each event includes a team competition.
The top three finishing teams each week share a £4 million bonus pot, with a season-ending team title handed out to the most successful across the whole campaign. With players clearly a fan of the team concept, it could well find its well into the PGA Tour schedule too.
Three-round tournaments
The breakaway circuit has prided itself on hosting three-round tournaments, with its LIV name referring to the number 54 in Roman numerals - the amount of holes played across each tournament. Whilst it is at the centre of their setup, this was arguably one of its most controversial features, with four-round events a staple of the professional game.
A number of LIV's biggest critics were quick to hit out at the 54-hole concept, but the new alliance could see this adopted by those who have heavily opposed the idea across the past 12 months.
Shot-gun starts
Another example of LIV Golf turning their back on the sport's traditions was the use of shot-gun starts. Since its inception, the PGA Tour has opted to use specific tee times for its players, but this was not in Greg Norman's plans.
LIV events begin with every player starting at the same time, with each group taking a spot on each of the 18 holes to kick off their tournament. Of course, the Tour has used two-tee starts for some time between the 1st and 10th, but the influence of their new partners could well see this go a step further.
Matchplay knockout
In its maiden season LIV hosted seven stroke play tournaments, before switching their season finale to the heavily popular matchplay format. After being seeded according to their rankings each LIV team battle it out against their rivals in knockout matchplay fixtures.
The PGA Tour recently decided to to drop its one and only match-play event in the WGC Matchplay for 2024, which led to heavy criticism. The format is certainly a popular one, and after LIV's matchplay successes on finals day, a similar event could well find its way back onto the Tour.
Dress code
Ever a game of formalities and traditions, dress code has proven paramount in professional golf. One of the PGA Tour's oldest rules is the ban on players wearing shorts in competition, with trousers a must. Keen as always to shake things up, the LIV bosses of course gave their players the chance kit themselves out in a more relaxed fashion with shorts.
The idea to implement this on the PGA Tour has often been debated, but is each time shot down. But with LIV keen to implement their identity within the merger, having their say on a relaxed dress code could well be an easy way in.
